Rajon Rondo won’t let contract situation weigh on his mind

Tuesday

By the end of October, he will either have a contract extension or be headed for restricted free agency next summer.

As far as Celtics point guard Rajon Rondo is concerned, the situation will not be a distraction to him during training camp or the 2009-10 season.

The Celtics have until Oct. 31 to extend Rondo’s deal, or he becomes a restricted free agent next July 1. The team would be able to match any offer he gets next summer.

“I try not to focus on it,’’ said Rondo during media day on Monday afternoon. “What’s going to happen is going to happen. I’m trying to get a ring.

“I don’t think it’ll be on my mind. I won’t allow it to affect me during the season. Of course, everyone wants security and it’d be great if I could sign now, but the focus is a ring. I’ll let my agent handle the contract stuff and I’ll just play.’’

Rondo, who will earn $2.6 million, is in line for a hefty raise after his showing the past three seasons.

The 23-year-old Rondo was part of a championship team in 2008 and had three triple-doubles during the postseason last spring.

Executive director of basketball operations Danny Ainge said he had contract talks with Rondo’s agent, Bill Duffy, last week.

Ainge was critical of Rondo during the summer, and there were trade rumors bouncing all around the NBA involving his name. Ainge said on Monday that he wants Rondo to be with the Celtics for a long time.

“Our intention is to have Rondo as our franchise point guard for a decade,’’ said Ainge. “I think Rondo wants to be here for a long time as well. These things are just about dollar amounts.

“We may do something in October, or next summer we’ll have the ability to do it. We’ll just play it by ear.

“I think it’s clear to everyone he’s a player we feel can help must make the transition from where we are now and in the next couple of years to the future.’’

Rondo said he met with Ainge a week and a half ago to talk about expectations for the coming season.

Asked if he wanted to be with the Celtics for a decade, Rondo said, “I want to be wherever I’m wanted for the next 10 years. If Danny wants me, I’ll be here for the next 10 years.

“This may be the biggest contract I get, but I don’t think about it like that. The more wins I get, the more chance I’ll have to play long term. I’ve got a chance to get a couple of rings and take advantage of the team we have.’’

Rondo, who added 11 pounds in the offseason, said he did not pay attention to the trade rumors that had him going to the Detroit Pistons and Memphis Grizzlies, among other teams.

Empty banner

At the team’s practice facility, there is an empty white banner with green trim hanging on the wall with the 17 NBA championship banners.

It looks like a motivational tool, similar to the one coach Doc Rivers employed during the 2007-08 season. He had a spotlight shining on the spot where the next title banner would be hanging, and the Celtics won the title that year.

“I don’t know where that came from,’’ said a coy Rivers. “It’s there. That’s all I’m going to say. The players will know the meaning. Blame it on Red (Auerbach).’’

Around the rim

Second-round draft pick Lester Hudson has signed a contract and is in camp. … Also on the training camp roster is former Georgetown standout Michael Sweetney, a power forward who has not played since he was with the Chicago Bulls in the 2006-07 season. … Kendrick Perkins dropped 15 pounds during the summer and is down to 270. … Tony Allen, who had offseason ankle surgery, will not be able to do much in the first week of training camp. … Rivers on the possibility that replacement referees will be used to start the season: “Obviously, we want our refs back. Everyone does. For teams that are jockeying for playoff position early and there’s a chance the officials aren’t going to be there, that’s scary.’’

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